I’m starting what I like to call Self Help Slow Reads, about reading and discussing books that promise a better life - one chapter at a time with curiosity and a little doubt.
As an avid reader throughout my life, self-help books have not been my favorite kind of book, but I have always felt drawn to them, as if they were going to hold the secret silver bullet that would give me the thing that would make things all better. (It seems to be meeting some need in my psyche, but I’ll save that story for another day.) But funny enough there were times that a self help book literally affected my entire world view, what I would call life-changing, as the cliche goes, while many times I laugh or am in awe of the audacity of the endless self-help crap that I’ve come across.
With the exponential rise of the self-help industrial complex, the challenges people face seem to actually have worsened, whether it be mental health, social connection, personal development, or just trying to get along with one’s family or significant other. So, clearly there is some sort of disconnect between the abundance of “self-help” available and it’s lack of effect on the larger populace that is in need of it. But the industry churns on, feeding off the misery of millions, with a new book or podcast with a another diagnosis du jour that promise newer, better, and improved answers that will finally sort your life out.
With such a barrage of advice, insight, and bullshit, I thought instead of trying keep up on the latest thing that catches my interest, I decided to slow it down to take in what I’ve already forgot to finish. With the rise of slow reading lit groups on Substack the last few years, it seemed like a perfect place to try out this little exercise.
So the plan is select one book, read a chapter a week, and take the time with the material. In that process, I’ll share what think, decide what’s good or maybe good or maybe good only for me on a particular day, and figure out what I’ll do or not do because of it. And of course, call out anything that emits fumes of any farm animals or fish.
If you come across this and find the prospect interesting, feel free to join in. What works for me is not what will work for you and visa versa, but I think that is a dynamic that can create worthwhile conversations and maybe understand one another a little better. If it’s not your jam, no worries, it isn’t a school assignment or work deadline, and God forbid, this isn’t an endeavor to optimize anyone’s life. It’s just an exercise to slow myself down, find things that might help, and actually do something about it.
If you’re curious, tell me what you think below.
I will announce the book I’ve decided to tackle for the first slow read in a week or so. Stay tuned.
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